updated 10:20 am EST, Mon November 3, 2008

Samsung T Omnia Phone

Samsung today stepped up the quality of its flagship smartphone with the launch of the T*Omnia. A major upgrade to the original model released just in mid-year, the new version carries a slightly larger 3.3-inch LCD but with a much higher 800x480 resolution versus the earlier 400x200. The extra resolution helps both with Windows Mobile as well as with a new DMB TV tuner that gives it over-the-air digital TV in its native Korea. The size has increased slightly to fit the new display and hardware.

Apart from these upgrades, the Omnia continues to be Samsung's most feature-laden touchscreen phone with a five-megapixel camera, 7.2Mbps HSDPA, Wi-Fi and GPS staying with the upgrade.

Pricing hasn't been disclosed for the T*Omnia, though versions will be available through SKT with either 4GB of built-in storage (M490) or 16GB (M495) that both have microSDHC slots for more expansion. The refresh continues to support quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band HSDPA, letting it work with AT&T's 3G network in the US. No official plans have been uncovered for a release in the US, though a CDMA Omnia may ship through Verizon in the near future. [viaAkihabara]